Launchpad has been supporting male clients with their mental health through the Sow What gardening project at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading.
This is the second time the programme has run (the first being in the Autumn of 2023) and it has been successful in getting men talking, being active in the garden and learning new skills.
Gardening offers people the chance to connect with nature, keep physical and active and gives people a sense of purpose and well-being.
These are all things that men who struggle with poor mental health sometimes find hard to access. It also works particularly well for clients who may live in a flat with no outdoor space.
Sharon, who is the centre manager at Launchpad 135, supports clients to engage with the project which is run by Cathy from MERL. Peer support volunteer Karen said attendees didn’t seem to stop smiling and chatting with each other.
“When in the garden, they collaborate on tasks, are physically active and are constantly learning new skills,” she said.
This communal work also helps promote important conversations and connections made in a safe and casual manner over shared goals and experiences.
During a well-earned cup of tea and biscuit after the session, everyone gets the chance to break down their thoughts on the day and discuss anything they are feeling.
Picture: During the last session in March, participants moved Snowdrops to a new location ready for next year and used hazel branches coppiced the week before to create homes for insects!
Read a blog about the project written by Reading University student Amy Campbell https://merl.reading.ac.uk/blog/2024/03/community-gardening-sow-what/
* A report by the charity MIND on men’s mental health shows that since 2009 there have been positive increases in men’s help-seeking behaviour and their ability to speak openly about their mental health. But there is still much more to be done to make sure that men are receiving the right support and feel able to reach out for help. Read the full report here.
Get it off your chest: a report on men’s mental health – Mind